PAHO calls for surveillance of respiratory diseases in the Caribbean

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has made member states aware of the fact that acute respiratory diseases have been on the rise in light of the effect of SARS-CoV-2, influenza and the respiratory syncytial virus in the Americas and the Caribbean sub-region. This uptake has been noticed since late 2023, right up till the current moment.

To tackle the issue, PAHO has recommended that member nations remain vigilant and maintain programs to help them surveil the progression or regression of these diseases.

PAHO has also stated the Northern Hemisphere has experienced epidemics caused by all three of the aforementioned diseases, as could be expected during the winter months.

In the case of the Southern Hemisphere, due to the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2, a larger number of cases than originally expected have been recorded.

The latest update from PAHO speaks positively about the situation in the Caribbean in particular, yet vigilance must be maintained to avoid a shift towards the rapid spread of respiratory diseases in the region.

It has been noted that the levels of SARS-CoV-2 have remained low in the Caribbean sub-region in the last four Epidemiological Weeks (EWs), which is why the region is able to enjoy more freedom. Having said that, with the proliferation of infectious diseases in close proximity to the Caribbean, the region will have to keep a watchful eye on the progression of respiratory diseases so as to ensure that citizens are protected from their ill effects.

In case the infection rates begin to rise, the Caribbean must also be prepared to tackle the situation and have the ability to premeditate the necessary steps to ensure that an epidemic can be avoided.

Thus, PAHO has advised member nations in the region to remain on guard against the spread of diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. If caught quickly, the governments and the Health Ministries of Caribbean nations can take precautionary measures and insulate their citizens from the spread of a disease before the situation gets out of hand.

Recently, St Vincent and the Grenadines has issued an advisory which pertains to multiple diseases, ranging from dengue to leptospirosis. The advisory also included precautionary measures against respiratory diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A – H1NI (swine flu).

In fact, the nation has made the decision to intensify its measures against Influenza A – H1NI (swine flu), having recorded 32 confirmed cases between December 25, 2023 and January 6, 2024.

While the initial signs are not overly worrisome, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Environment in St Vincent and the Grenadines has made the appropriate decision in this case by taking steps to curb the further spread of this disease.

Naturally, in the case of St Vincent and the Grenadines, SARS-COV2 has taken the back seat since Influenza A – H1NI (swine flu) has become a slightly more serious issue in recent weeks. This is why the focus of the Ministry of Health has shifted more towards Influenza A – H1NI (swine flu) and ensuring that the citizens of the nation are aware of what is required of them to fight against the spread of this debilitating disease.